Profile
Ahikiro Wani has deep experience in capital markets and the financial sector. He represents major domestic and international financial institutions on financial regulations and cutting-edge derivatives transactions. Also, he has assisted the activities of International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) in Japan in regard to legal aspects. His practice includes advising on the establishment of head and branch offices for Type I financial instruments business operators, life insurance company, financial institutions, and investment management companies. He also acts on a variety of cross-border derivatives, banking, insurance, securities, and corporate transactions.
He has served in a variety of governmental and NGO roles, including as Financial System Council and Financial Policies Monitor for the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan and representative director and chairman of the JBA TIBOR Administration.
Capabilities
Experience
- Financial Services Agency (FSA) Japan
- Financial System Council, 1999-2000
- Financial Policies Monitor, 2016 to date
- Sophia University
- Professor Emeritus, 2022 to date
- Professor at Sophia University Law School, 2004-2022
Recognition & Leadership
- Listed, The Best Lawyers in Japan, 2025
- Structured Finance Law, "Lawyer of the Year," 2025
- Banking and Finance Law, Capital Markets Law, Derivatives, and Financial Institution Regulatory Law, 2025
- Listed, Chambers Global Guide, 2000-2024
- Senior Statesperson, Capital Markets: Securitisation & Derivatives, Japan
- Senior Statesperson, Banking and Finance: Financial Services Regulation, Japan
- Listed, Chambers Asia-Pacific Guide, 2008-2025
- Senior Statesperson, Banking and Finance: Financial Services Regulation, Japan
- Senior Statesperson, Capital Markets: Securitisation & Derivatives, Japan
- Listed, Asia Business Law Journal, "The A-List: Japan’s Top Lawyers," 2024
- Listed, "Legal Icons," 2024
- Listed, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, Leading Individual, Banking and Finance, Japan
- Listed, IFLR1000, Expert Consultant, 2020
- Counsel, International Swaps and Derivatives Association of (ISDA) in Japan
- Member, Financial Law Board
- Finance Expert, P.R.I.M.E. Finance, The Hague
- Representative Director and Chairman, JBA TIBOR Administration, 2014-2022
Credentials
- LL.M., Columbia Law School, 1982
- LL.M., University of Tokyo, 1977
- LL.B., University of Tokyo, 1975
- Japan
- New York
- Japanese, Native
- English, Fluent